Melbourne, Mar 1: With the unemployment rate reaching new heights courtesy recession, women in Australia are turning to strip joints and brothels for work.

But those doing the hiring are saying the jobs come with a lot of guilt and "can do your head in", reports The Courier Mail.

With the chance to earn between 1500 dollars and 8000 dollars a week, Rachel Love from the Gold Coast's Pentagon Grand brothel said she had never seen such an influx.

In Brisbane, the B Confidential gentlemen's bar is getting 10 to 15 applications a week for women prepared to do lap dances, pole dancing, stage and private shows.

But the job isn't just dancing and taking your clothes off, owner-manager Lisa says.

"Our VIP room is interesting because very rarely do the girls even get their top off. The guys go in there and play Twister, they play the Wii game and PlayStation. Our most popular game is Singstar," she said.

"Our industry is not easy on the person. It can do your head in," Lisa added.

The women have to listen to men who have lost their jobs, or who are lonely or need to unburden themselves.

ANI